THE TALK OF THE GARDEN last night was Arnold Schwarzenegger’s exuberant tribute to the American freedom that first drew him to fame and fortune in California. Every other pundit compared his oratory to Ronald Reagan’s. Many Republicans criticized the organizers for failing to end the evening on that rousing note, rather than with Laura Bush’s subdued chat. They’re wrong. Mrs. Bush’s was an elegant effort and her steady contribution to the campaign will be more decisive over the long haul.

Mrs. Bush is proving, in her quiet fashion, a tremendous asset to her husband’s campaign. CNN last week reported that 63 percent of Americans have a good opinion of her, versus 20 who don’t. A Los Angeles Times poll carried out in recent days was even more impressive, showing a 72-percent approval rating. It also compared her numbers to those of her counterpart, Teresa Heinz Kerry. Seventeen percent said Mrs. Bush’s actions made them more likely to vote for her husband, versus 3 percent who said less likely. The numbers are reversed for Mrs. Kerry: 12 percent say she makes them more likely to vote for Senator Kerry, versus 17 percent who say less likely. By a margin of 56 to 26, Mrs. Bush better fits the public’s idea of what they want in her role.